Indian education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk was taken to a hospital by Delhi Police on Saturday after completing a 20-day hunger strike, amid growing concerns over his deteriorating health during a protest against India’s examination system.
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The 59-year-old activist had been fasting since June 28, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in medical entrance examinations. His protest drew support from hundreds of students gathered at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, while additional demonstrations were organised by the satirical Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
Delhi Police said Wangchuk was shifted to a hospital following medical advice and in compliance with Delhi High Court orders directing authorities to protect his health.
Police acknowledged that a brief commotion occurred when officers moved Wangchuk from the protest site, as some demonstrators attempted to resist the action. Several supporters staging a sit-in were also removed from the venue.
Video footage from the protest showed police carrying Wangchuk away while supporters voiced objections. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke criticised the move, alleging the activist was forcibly removed despite his weakened condition after nearly three weeks without food.
According to ANI, Wangchuk remained conscious after being admitted to hospital and his vital signs were reported to be stable.
Earlier this week, the Delhi High Court ordered government doctors to monitor Wangchuk’s condition daily, stressing that every citizen’s life is valuable. The court directed authorities to provide any necessary medical treatment to preserve his life.
The protest follows controversy surrounding India’s highly competitive medical entrance examination, which was re-conducted last month after authorities cancelled the original test because of a paper leak. More than 2.2 million students sat the repeat examination under enhanced security.
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The examination controversy, along with concerns over other national tests, has fuelled student protests and attracted support from several opposition politicians, increasing pressure on the Indian government over education reforms.